Ministry Of Justice
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Book and plan your visit to Wealstun
Visiting rules may change if there is a COVID outbreak within the prison.
If you are unable to visit someone in prison you can still keep in touch.
You can also contact the Prisoners Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003. You will not be able to book a visit using this number.
To visit someone in Wealstun you must:
- be on that persons visitor list
- book your visit 28 days in advance
- have the required ID with you when you go
At least one visitor must be 18 or older at every visit.
There may be a limit to the number of visits a person can have. You can check this with the prison.
If you have any questions about visiting, email: socialvisits.wealstun@justice.gov.uk
Help with the cost of your visit
If you get certain benefits or have an NHS health certificate, you might be able to get help with the costs of your visit, including:
- Travel to Wealstun prison
- Somewhere to stay overnight
- Meals
How to book family and friends visits
Wealstun is currently operating a limited visits schedule for family and friends. You can book your visit by telephone. There is no online booking service available.
Booking line: 01937 444 599The booking line is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 12:30pm
Find out about call charges
Visiting times:
- Monday: 2:15pm to 4pm
- Tuesday: 9:30am to 11am and 2:15pm to 4pm
- Wednesday: 2:15pm to 4pm
- Thursday: 9:30am to 11am and 2:15pm to 4pm
- Friday: no visits
- Saturday: 9:30am to 11am and 1:45pm to 3:45pm
- Sunday: 9:30am to 11:30am and 1:45pm to 3:45pm
How to book legal and professional visits
Legal visits take place on a Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30 11.00 and 2.15 4.00
These can be booked by email at LegalVisits.Wealstun@justice.gov.uk
Getting to Wealstun
The closest railway stations are Leeds (12 miles from the prison) and York (15 miles). You can take a 45 minute bus ride to the prison, as taxis can be expensive.
To plan your journey by public transport:
There is a large visitor car park with Blue Badge parking spaces close to the visitor centre.
Entering Wealstun
All visitors, aged 16 or older must prove their identity before entering the prison. Read the list of acceptable forms of ID when visiting a prison.
All visitors will need to be given a pat-down search, including children. You may also be sniffed by security dogs.
Wealstun has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors should wear smart clothes (no vests, no low-cut tops, no shorts, no short dresses and no headwear, other than that worn for religious reasons).
Refreshments and snacks are available to purchase in the visits shop. You are allowed to bring in up to 60 in cash only for purschases during your visit.
There are strict controls on what you can take into Wealstun. You will have to leave most of the things you have with you in a locker (takes a 1 coin) or with security. This includes pushchairs and car seats.
You will be told the rules by an officer at the start of your visit. If you break the rules, your visit could be cancelled and you could be banned from visiting again.
Visiting facilities
Jigsaw runs the visitor centre which is open on visiting days from 8:30am.
The visits room has a childrens play area and there are toilets and baby changing facilities just outside.
Family days
We currently run family days during school holiday periods for children up to the age of 18 years old. Participants are generated through a strict application process.
Keep in touch with someone at Wealstun
There are several ways you can keep in touch with a prisoner during their time at Wealstun.
Phone calls
Prisoners have phones in their rooms but they will always have to call you. They have to buy phone credits to do this.
They can phone anyone named on their list of friends and family. This list is checked by security when they first arrive so it may take a few days before they are able to call.
Calls can be made by prisoners at these times:
- Monday to Thursday, 6:30am to 8am, 11:30am to 1pm, 5:30pm to 11pm
- Fridays, 6:30am to 8pm, 11:30am to 11pm
- Weekends and bank holidays: 6:30am to 11pm
You can also exchange voicemails using the Prison Voicemail service.
Officers may listen to phone calls as a way of preventing crime and helping keep people safe.
You can send emails to someone in Wealstun using the Email a Prisoner service.
You might also be able to attach photos and receive replies from the prisoner, depending on the rules at Wealstun.
Secure video calls
Secure video calling is available at this prison. Family and friends will need to download the Prison Video app, create an account, register all visitors and add the prisoner to their contact list.
Letters
You can write at any time.
Include the persons name and prisoner number on the envelope.
If you do not know their prisoner number, contact Wealstun.
All post, apart from legal letters, will be opened and checked by officers.
Send money and gifts
You can use the free and fast online service to send money to someone in prison.
You can no longer send money by bank transfer, cheque, postal order or send cash by post.
If you cannot use the online service, you may be able to apply for an exemption - for example if you:
- are unable to use a computer, a smart phone or the internet
- do not have a debit card
This will allow you to send money by post.
Gifts and parcels
No gifts can be sent.
Enhanced prisoners can apply for approval to have a clothing parcel sent in 2 times a year.
Friends and families of prisoners are permitted to send books directly to their loved ones, or can order books from approved retailers, which can source and send the books on to prisoners.For the full list of approved retailers, you can read the HMPPS Incentives Policy, Annex F.
Life at Wealstun
Wealstun is committed to providing a safe and educational environment where men can learn new skills to help them on release.
Wealstun is serious about reducing the risk of re-offending so men are expected to take part in their sentence plans and demonstrate good citizenship and behaviour at all times. Behaviour will affect their privileges in prison, whether they are re-categorised and considered for early release.
The prison has a strict drug policy which includes mandatory drug testing and investigating the supply and use of drugs. There are many drug treatment programmes on offer, a drug support wing, help from peers and a personal officer scheme.
Security and safeguarding
Every pe